AFC Dunstable win promotion to the Southern League

SSML Premier Division Hertford Town 1 AFC Dunstable 3
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AFC Dunstable secured promotion to the Southern League after an excellent 3-1 win at Hertford Town on Tuesday night.

The visitors went into the game knowing victory would ensure they went up, but with news filtering through that Hoddesdon Town had failed their ground grading, so step four football was deservedly secured by Steve Heath’s side.

Hertford picked their strongest possible line-up, and with the side notching 65 goals on home soil, were looking to halt AFC’s title ambitions.

A crowd approaching 200 made for an electric atmosphere, but AFC had the better of the opening 20 minutes, Charlie Gorman hitting the upright, and Nathan Frater’s free kick missing by a whisker.

From Hertford’s first meaningful attack they took the lead though as with 25 minutes on the clock, Louis Rose headed home from a corner.

The visitors struck back immediately straight away as from a corner, Josh Humbert set up Gorman who superbly chipped Hertford keeper Harry Rickets to level the scores.

AFC continued to press for a second and when a great Newma Carney cross found BJ Christie, but his header was somehow saved by Rickets.

After the break, AFC had to swap Bill Morgan for Terry Griffiths, and had the lead for the first time with 15 minutes remaining as Carney’s free kick was headed home by Griffiths at the far post.

AFC then ensured the victory when Gorman set up Humbert who burst through to make it 3-1.

With 95 points on the board, promotion to the Southern League in the bag and now four points needed for the title, AFC boss Heath said: “What a shift they put in as my players had to put up with some unsavoury tactics but came through with flying colours.

“All season they have been unbelievably disciplined and their attitude has been first class. I know the title is still to be won and with three games left they will give everything.”

AFC travel to Tring Athletic this weekend.

AFC: Perks, Massay, N Carney, Morgan, Cashman, Jones, Gorman, Olaleye, Christie, Humbert, Frater. Sub used: Griffiths. Subs not used: Hall, Byron, Kissiedu, Langston.